pdalessa: If you don't mind telling us where you're located, there's a very good chance that someone on this Forum will be able to tell you where to find some folk-music societies, song circles and the like.

Getting out and playing along with other guitarists in an informal group is an inexpensive alternative to hiring a teacher; just ask your neighbor in the group, "Hey, how did you do what you just did [make a chord, play a succession of notes, etc.]?" It's also a great way to build your confidence as you learn to switch chords and play in rhythm with the group (any mistakes you make won't stand out in a room full of guitar players!).